The demand for educated and certified personal trainers has never been greater. The Personal Trainer program gives you the hands-on experience and specialized personal trainer knowledge you need to become a certified personal trainer able to sustain a lucrative personal trainer career.

Students will receive specialized training in one or more certifications, and be given the opportunity to gain valuable experience by completing a supervised practicum in this growing industry. The curriculum is rich with courses geared specifically toward preparing students to be very knowledgeable about the fitness industry and very competent in their personal skills. Students will not be required to repeat any training for which they have current certification.

The diploma program incorporates both theory and practical components. The theory courses, many of which are university transferable, provide the student with the background information necessary to understand the structure and function of the human body and its adaptations to exercise. The practicums provide an opportunity for students to develop the skills required to assess individual physical fitness levels, to formulate and deliver appropriate fitness programs, and to network with businesses in the local fitness community.

Admission Requirements

For admission into the Personal Trainer Diploma, an overall average of 50% in the following Alberta Education courses or equivalents is required. See Entrance Requirements tables for courses within groups A, B, or C.

English 30-1 or English 30-2

Two subjects from Group A or C

One subject from Group C*

One subject from Group A, B, C or Physical Education 30

AFLCA Exercise Theory**

Only one language other than English will be accepted

*Math 30-2 is acceptable for admission; however, only one of Mathematics 30-1 or Mathematics 30-2 may be used for admission. **Students must have completed the Alberta Fitness Leadership Certification Association (AFLCA) Exercise Theory course prior to the first day of class. The AFLCA Exercise Theory course is offered annually the third weekend of August. Call 780-539-2816 to register. If students are unable to attend the course at GPRC, the course is held elsewhere throughout Alberta. Students will be responsible for additional fees incurred when registering for these certification courses. CPR is required for AFLCA certification.

Mature Student Admission

Students 21 years of age or older who do not meet the stated admission requirements must attain a minimum score on an appropriate entrance test before acceptance into the program is granted.

Part-Time Student Admission

Students may enrol in up to two courses without admission to the program. Upon successful completion of two courses, if you wish to continue in the program, you will be expected to apply to the program and meet all admission requirements. Once you have met all admission requirements and received admission to the program, you will be granted credit for courses successfully completed prior to admission.

Additional Information

Students of PEAKStudents enrolled in fitness programs are eligible for membership in Students of PEAK (SPEAK), the organization of physical education students. See information about this student organization in the Bachelor of Physical Education section of this calendar. Executive members of SPEAK may be eligible for co-curricular recognition.

Progression Criteria

A full-time student in the Diploma program who fails one course in a semester will be placed on contractual departmental probation for the following semester. Failure to meet the probation requirements may result in forced withdrawal from the full-time program for one full semester.

A full-time student in the Diploma program who fails two or more courses in any one semester will be required to withdraw for one full semester from the full-time program. Readmission to the program will be subject to review.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate with a Personal Trainer Diploma you must successfully complete all program requirements. If you meet these requirements, please apply to graduate.

Following completion of the GPRC Personal Trainer Diploma students will be prepared to write the CSEP-CPT National Exam and complete the CSEP-CPT Practical Exam.

To obtain CSEP-CPT certification, students must provide a copy of their official GPRC transcripts stating that they have completed their Personal Trainer Diploma to the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology.